Outdoor Burning: El Cerrito vs Pittsburg
How do outdoor burning rules compare between El Cerrito, CA and Pittsburg, CA?
El Cerrito and Pittsburg have similar restriction levels.
El Cerrito, CA
Contra Costa County
Open burning is prohibited in unincorporated Contra Costa County except under a narrow set of agricultural or hazard-reduction permits. Residential yard waste burning is banned year-round under BAAQMD Regulation 5, and wood smoke advisories add further restrictions during winter Spare the Air alerts.
View full El Cerrito rules →Pittsburg, CA
Contra Costa County
Open burning prohibited in the Bay Area under BAAQMD Regulation 5. Pittsburg falls within BAAQMD jurisdiction. Subsurface fires (peat, vegetation) must be extinguished by property owners or the Fire District will do so and charge the costs.
View full Pittsburg rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Cerrito | Pittsburg |
|---|---|---|
| Residential yard waste burning | Banned year-round (BAAQMD Reg 5) | - |
| Permit authority | ConFire (CCCFPD) fire marshal | - |
| Winter wood-burn bans | Spare the Air alerts Nov 1 to Feb 28 | - |
| Illegal burn penalty | Up to $1,000 and 6 months jail (PRC 4423) | - |
| Ag burn days | Only on BAAQMD/CAL FIRE permissive days | - |
| Open Burning | - | Prohibited (BAAQMD Reg. 5) |
| Subsurface Fires | - | Owner must extinguish or pay costs |
| Fire District | - | Contra Costa County FPD |
| Code Section | - | PMC Chapter 15.20 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Cerrito FAQ
Can I burn leaves in my yard in unincorporated Contra Costa?
No. Residential yard waste burning is prohibited year-round under BAAQMD Regulation 5, Rule 3. Leaves and green waste must go to curbside green-bin or composted on site.
What about a small recreational campfire?
Approved recreational fires under 3 feet wide and 2 feet tall, using clean seasoned wood, are generally allowed outside fire-restriction periods but may be banned during Red Flag Warnings and Spare the Air nights.
Who issues ag burn permits?
ConFire issues the local burn permit and you must also confirm a permissive burn day with BAAQMD before igniting.
Pittsburg FAQ
Can I burn yard waste in my backyard in Pittsburg?
Open burning prohibited in the Bay Area under BAAQMD Regulation 5. Pittsburg falls within BAAQMD jurisdiction. Subsurface fires (peat, vegetation) must be extinguished by property owners or the Fire District will do so and charge the costs.
Do I need a permit for outdoor burning in Pittsburg?
Open Burning: Prohibited (BAAQMD Reg. 5). Subsurface Fires: Owner must extinguish or pay costs. Fire District: Contra Costa County FPD. Code Section: PMC Chapter 15.20.
Compare other topics
See how El Cerrito and Pittsburg compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool